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The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has launched its fall and winter “Burn Cleaner, Burn Better (BCBB)” campaign.
(Photo from Pixabay)
The purpose of the BCBB campaign is to encourage Maricopa County residents, visitors, and businesses to refrain from burning wood and instead choose cleaner burning methods to reduce the negative impact of wood smoke on public health and air quality. is to encourage.
The BCBB campaign raises awareness about the health risks associated with breathing polluted air caused by wood smoke. Each year, during the holiday season, local hospitals see a significant increase in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses caused by smoke from fireplaces, bonfires, and outdoor bonfires.
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 1 Chairman Jack Sellers urges everyone to join in efforts to reduce winter smoke pollution. “While we cannot control the weather, we can make a positive contribution to protecting the health of our communities. By choosing not to burn wood this winter, we are improving air quality. and play an active role in protecting the health of our communities.”
If air pollution levels increase and weather conditions result in dry, stagnant air, the MCAQD will declare a no burn day for Maricopa County. The primary purpose of No Burn Day is to prevent the introduction of further pollution into the air when forecasts indicate air quality may approach or exceed federal health standards. Most outdoor fires are prohibited on No Burn Day, but the use of gas and electrical equipment is permitted.
“MCAQD’s mission is to improve Maricopa County’s air quality so that our customers, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play in a healthy environment,” said MCAQD Director Philip McNeely. “Each year, we face the challenge of reducing air pollution from wood burning. We urge you to prioritize the health of your family, friends, and neighbors and use cleaner burning alternatives this season. We recommend that you select
Maricopa County benefits greatly from residents choosing alternative fuel combustion devices such as gas and propane. Residents interested in switching to cleaner burning options can take advantage of two programs offered by MCAQD. Maricopa County Fireplace Renovation and Maricopa County Propane Fire Pit. These programs provide eligible residents with coupons and discounts for converting a natural gas log set into a wood-burning fireplace or purchasing a propane fire pit.
Reducing air pollution not only minimizes health risks such as asthma and bronchitis, but also ensures compliance with federal health standards, thereby avoiding the need for more stringent and costly regulatory measures. .
For more information about the BCBB campaign and programs to reduce air pollution, please visit: Maricopa.gov/AQBurnBetter. To find out if it is a no-burn day, please visit: Maricopa.gov/AQPlease download. Clean Air mobile appor call us at 602-506-6400.
Access the Burn Cleaner, Burn Better campaign toolkit here.
Read more Phoenix area stories at Signals AZ.com.
